Definitely a High Performance Foamie!
Softech Filipe Toledo Wildfire Soft Surfboard 5’11
Reviewed by: Alex
Dimensions: 5’11 x 20 5/8 x 2 3/4 (37L)
Fins: Thruster FCS II Fin System.
What we like: Easy to catch waves, duck dive, paddle and is responsive, feels solid under feet much like a regular fibreglass shortboard
What we don’t: The included soft fins – best to upgrade with some quality performance fins.
Rating: 9/10
What does Softech Say:
“More refined than most of its counterparts in the range, and with the scales tipping firmly towards performance, the Softech Filipe Toledo wildfire raises the yardstick for soft-board shredding.
With the FCS II system, the need for any screws or tool to secure the fins has been eliminated. Simply insert the front of the fin into the plug and use downward pressure to lock the fin in place. Easily insert & remove the fins based on the wave conditions or the rider’s ability. Don’t upgrade your board -just change your fins.”
Key Features
- Core: 100% Waterproof X-Density EPS Foam Core
- Stringer: Double Wood Stringer
- Fin Setup: Thruster (x3 FCS II Fin Setup)
- Fin System: FCS II (FCSII Soft fins included)
The board has a flat entry rocker, a big channel in the tail for speed and a diamond tail for manoeuvrability. This combination gives access to steeper and hollower waves and makes the board more comfortable in the critical part of the wave.
Rails are soft but have some definition in the tail. For me the quality of construction is exceptional. I really treated it badly, but it is almost like new after one year of intense use. It feels very similar to a PU board. But I would say it is even better. Much more durable and keeps its flex memory. For me this is a quality surf board!
What do you like about the Softech Filipe Toledo Wildfire?
Almost all! It’s a wave catch monster. Paddles effortless into any wave, even mushy knee-high waves. You might have to deal with an angry crowd because you catch all the waves. Absolutely bulletproof construction. Almost one year of intense surfing and barely a scratch. Maneuverability. Generates speed easily. Very fast. It feels very lively under my feed. Very versatile board: Suitable for a wide range of conditions and waves, almost a one board quiver for anything to head high waves. I didn’t use my standard PU-Board for a while. Definitely a High Performance Foamie
What don’t you like about it?
Really not much to say. The included soft fins are useless. You need some decent fins to get the most out of the Wildfire. It took me 2-3 sessions to really surf the board properly. You surf it on your front food, and it’s like a mid-length type, very stable and forgiving. Then you get on your back food, and it gets loose and wants to move and turn. Once you balance that it’s a blast!
Experience in the Surf
I have surfed this board in anything from powerless knee-high waves to powerful almost overhead waves and always had a blast. This board can actually handle some size. You even can have a little tube ride.
I can surely say that this board is tons of fun. For a long while I only surfed this board (not my standard PU board) because I really got addicted. I felt like a little child again. A big smile after every session. I had the sensation I could really shred the waves, never had that before.
Furthermore, this board really improved my surfing because I could try new maneuvers without being afraid of hurting myself or someone else. Extremely fast, so you always can connect with the next section.
That said, this is a high-performance foamie. Means this board really wants to be surfed and thrown around. My standard board is a Lost Puddle Jumper Round Pin which is very stable and forgiving. When I jumped on the Wildfire it took me a couple of sessions to adapt because the wildfire is much more performance orientated! Once I figured it out I had some epic surf sessions.
The fins: As I already said, the included soft fins are basically useless. Maybe if you want your child to use it. I think this board changes a lot depending on the fins you use! I started with FCSII Performer Neo Glass (M). They gave the board stability but made the board slow and not very maneuverable. Then I put the FCSII Mat Biolos (M) in, which were an absolute game changer. The board suddenly was much faster and responsive. I also tried the FCSII AM template which also felt fantastic (a little more hold in steeper waves). I think the Wildfire wants stiff fins to push against. This board definitely needs some good fins to be surfed at 100%!
What kind of waves is the board suited to?
Anything from knee to head high. Even Head high + if the wave isn’t too hollow and powerful. Wind swell mushy waves, medium power waves. Even powerful waves if they are max. Shoulder-high. The Wildfire’s sweet spot are shoulder-high medium power waves.
What kind of surfer is this board best for?
This board is definitely for someone who knows how to surf. Intermediate to advanced surfers. It is not a very forgiving surfboard on your back foot, so you have to put your foot in the right spot.
If you are an intermediate surfer and want to progress. This is your board. The wildfire can be tricky at the beginning, but patience is well rewarded!
The experienced surfer will love this board as well for fun summer waves or crowded line ups. You can try new maneuvers without hurting yourself or destroying your standard board.
I don’t think this board is suited for kids or beginners. They could surf it for sure, but I think there are better options out there for these levels.
Does it compare to any other boards (soft tops or regular) that you have ridden?
I think the design is similar to the Firewire Spitfire. I surf a Lost Puddle Jumper round pin, and it’s not that far. They are all hybrids.
Wrapping it up….
For the Softech Filipe Toledo Wildfire, I would give this an 9 out of 10!
Depending on your level first contact can be tricky but you’ll be well rewarded! I recommend this board 100%. It might become my favorite board ever. .
What are others saying about the Softech Filipe Toledo Wildfire
“I’m 6’0 175# intermediate level surfer. Usually surf a 32.1L Air 17x. Bought the 5’11” Filipe board to grovel and for small mushy days. This board is an absolute blast. I’ve been surfing it almost exclusively since I bought it.”
“Most of the time I’m surfing smaller mushy waves, this catches them and rides with speed and fun! My new favorite board for sure!”
“Rode it in 3-4 foot surf, super fun and easy to maneuver. It’s perfect for me as I’m still learning to ride shorter boards.”
“This board surfs with great performance. The rail edges fade back to the tail and sharpen way up. There is a wide groove on the bottom between the side fins toward the back of the tail which is an amazing feature of this board I thought; that is not in any review or description of the product, that made me love the board more than I expected.”
“Beat the crowds and get more waves. I can’t recommend this board enough for bashing around and still ripping around your local on those family beach days… My son loves it too!”
“This board is awesome. Everyone should have one in their quiver. It’s responsive, super fun to ride, and fearless in summer crowds.”
If you’ve got a Softech Filipe Toledo Wildfire yourself and have any comments to add we’d love you to hear your feedback below!
Check our our overview of the Softech Surfboards range here.